A little over two years ago I was fortunate enough to acquire a .275
Rigby bolt-action rifle from Ray Atkinson through a private party purchase. Ray and I both believed the rifle was very likely an
original Rigby with a possible Mauser manufacture date during the Golden Age circa 1898-1899.
The rifle had a very low Mauser serial number of 531, German BU Oberndorf proofs, London view mark, and British nitro proofs. There was not a visible Rigby serial number on the rifle although the action and barrel were engraved properly and period appropriate with Rigby information and branding to suggest it was an original Rigby.
Information contained in Mauser: Original Oberndorf Sporting Rifles by Speed, Schmid, and Herrmann document Rigby built rifles with Mauser Serial number 515 and 573 on intermediate actions in .275 caliber made/sold by Rigby in January 1900. In the same reference book, the Mauser Serial Number Chart shows production dates for Mauser BU proofed rifles with serial numbers on both sides of this rifle’s serial number (531) made between 1898-1899. Great supporting information from both the Rigby and Mauser side of the equation.
The bore of the rifle was in very good condition with no obvious signs of pitting or corrosion. There was some possible light frosting near the chamber side of the bore. Ray explained to me that the rifle was exactly as he purchased it some years ago in the Sudan from an Englishman who had now passed on. What happened to the original stock is anyone’s guess. It may have been broken beyond repair and languished waiting for a donor stock or the funds to purchase a replacement that never was to be.
The rifle had a very low Mauser serial number of 531, German BU Oberndorf proofs, London view mark, and British nitro proofs. There was not a visible Rigby serial number on the rifle although the action and barrel were engraved properly and period appropriate with Rigby information and branding to suggest it was an original Rigby.
Information contained in Mauser: Original Oberndorf Sporting Rifles by Speed, Schmid, and Herrmann document Rigby built rifles with Mauser Serial number 515 and 573 on intermediate actions in .275 caliber made/sold by Rigby in January 1900. In the same reference book, the Mauser Serial Number Chart shows production dates for Mauser BU proofed rifles with serial numbers on both sides of this rifle’s serial number (531) made between 1898-1899. Great supporting information from both the Rigby and Mauser side of the equation.
The bore of the rifle was in very good condition with no obvious signs of pitting or corrosion. There was some possible light frosting near the chamber side of the bore. Ray explained to me that the rifle was exactly as he purchased it some years ago in the Sudan from an Englishman who had now passed on. What happened to the original stock is anyone’s guess. It may have been broken beyond repair and languished waiting for a donor stock or the funds to purchase a replacement that never was to be.
The condition of the barreled action, bolt, and bottom
metal was well used, in the white, and exactly how Ray got it in the early
1970s. To my eye, the surface of the metal appeared to have been buffed or
sanded lightly with a mild abrasive possibly to remove the bluing or light
corrosion perhaps. Ray had put away the rifle and never found the time
to do what was needed to restore it as a project. Ray had no additional work
done to it after he acquired it in the Sudan.
Ray shared that he was too old to start it as a rifle project and would like for someone to restore it who would appreciate it for its vintage history and also enjoy hunting with it in Africa. Ray went on to say that he knew I would do just that and felt it was in good hands.
Ray shared that he was too old to start it as a rifle project and would like for someone to restore it who would appreciate it for its vintage history and also enjoy hunting with it in Africa. Ray went on to say that he knew I would do just that and felt it was in good hands.
After purchasing the rifle from Ray I began
speaking with Craig Boddington to pick his brain for a likely professional to assist with the restore and refurbish. We bounced a few names around and Craig recommended I contact Marc Newton about the rifle. Marc is the Managing
Director at John Rigby & Company LTD in London. After a few telephone calls with Marc, describing the information and history I had gathered, Marc was up to speed on the background of the rifle. I sent Marc numerous detailed photographs and action dimensions to review. He and his team felt the rifle was likely an original Rigby but provided the caveat
that he would withhold his final judgement until he and his shop could fully physically inspect the rifle in detail.
On May 20, 2015 I packaged the rifle up for its return trip to London
where I believed it likely once resided temporarily before making its way to
the Sudan and then ultimately to me. A few weeks later I received a call from
Marc telling me congratulations, I had purchased an original vintage Rigby. He
went on to note that he would do his best to research the Rigby records to possibly determine when
it was manufactured. A daunting task without a Rigby serial number. Even though the rifle was a Rigby, I was hoping there might be some tantalizing provenance that could possibly be discovered!
I asked Marc if he would be able to restore and refurbish
the rifle to its original glory. Marc assured me that he would utilize the same
vintage Rigby rifles in their museum to duplicate the proper stock dimensions
and any other items to assure the rifle would be just as it was in its day! We agreed on an estimated two year project completion.
I have to say that the rifle came out better than I thought possible. It is absolutely stunning and beautiful in every way while retaining the original vintage specifications and characteristics. Marc and his crew did a fabulous job! Here are a few pictures of the rifle to enjoy.
CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE
A note of thanks are in order for all of the organizational aspects and fine craftsmanship executed by the team at John Rigby & Company:
Marc Newton, Managing Director. Marc and I have become great friends over the years and this project was the catalyst of our meeting. Marc and I communicated regularly regarding the restore and refurbish project. Marc worked closely with Rigby’s team of master craftsmen to assure everything was just right for this project.
The skilled craftsmen at John Rigby & Company worked extremely hard to get this project right. Special thanks to each of them for their contribution:
- Olivier Leclercq (Factory manager, helped with metalwork and assembly)
- Brice Swieton (Repaired all metalwork on the action, including bolt handle, iron sights, etc.)
- Mark Renmant (Checkering and oil finish)
- Tony Maidment (Master Engraver) - Pictured with Marc Newton
I am grateful and feel honored to have been able to work closely with Marc and his team to get my vintage Rigby rifle restored, refurbished, and ready for another 100+ years of service. If you do not have a vintage Rigby rifle that needs restored and refurbished you might consider having a modern version built by Rigby for you to enjoy!
Should you have interest, Rigby is now building a similar rifle today known as The London Best –Vintage Edition. The Highland Stalker is a less expensive option that could also be configured similarly in many aspects and should also be considered.
You can view their beautiful guns at John Rigby and Company. If you want additional information be sure to click on their "Contact Us" link to find out more.
Rigby team photos courtesy of Marc Newton and John Rigby & Company LTD-London
